PRESS BOX

Lewis gets 10-game drug ban

Lewis said in a statement that he took an over-the-counter supplement late last season that included a substance he did not realize was banned by the NBA.

"First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty," Lewis said. "I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment."

He will be suspended without pay for the first 10 regular season games for which he is eligible and physically able to play. He will be docked about $1.6 million of his $18 million salary.

The first game he could play would be Nov. 16 at home against the Bobcats.

The Orlando Sentinel first reported the positive test Thursday. Citing unidentified league sources, the newspaper reported the supplement contained DHEA, a steroids precursor.

Lewis is the sixth player to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs since the league began testing in 1999.

"I hope every athlete can learn from my mistake that supplements, no matter how innocent they seem, should only be taken after consulting an expert," he said.